The quickest way to find your printer's IP address

Your printer's IP address is printed on a configuration page that comes out of the printer itself — this is the fastest and most reliable method. Open the printer's menu on its touchscreen or control panel, look for a "Settings," "Network," or "Information" option, and select "Print Network Configuration" or "Print Settings Page." A page will emerge with your printer's IP address listed clearly, usually near the top.

If your printer has no touchscreen, check the physical buttons. Many printers have a small menu you navigate with arrow keys. The exact path varies by brand — HP calls it "Network Configuration," Canon uses "Device Information," and Brother printers often label it "Network Settings" — but the concept is the same. You are asking the printer to tell you about itself.

This method works regardless of what computer or phone you own, and it does not require you to be connected to anything. The page prints in seconds and gives you the information you need without troubleshooting.

Key Takeaways

  • The configuration page printed directly from your printer is the fastest way to find its IP address and requires no computer or phone.
  • On Windows, you can also find the printer's IP through Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners, then right-click the printer and select "Printer Properties."
  • On Mac, System Settings > Printers and Scanners shows your printer's IP address when you select it from the list.
  • Your phone or tablet can find the printer's IP through the printer manufacturer's app, which is useful if you need the address while away from your computer.
  • Once you have the IP address, you can type it directly into a web browser to access the printer's settings page and change network or print settings.

Finding the IP address on Windows

Open Settings and go to Devices, then select Printers and Scanners from the left menu. Find your printer in the list and click on it once to select it. Click "Printer Properties" or "Open Queue" depending on your Windows version. A window will open showing printer details.

In the window that appears, look for a tab labeled "Ports" or "General." Click the "Ports" tab if you see it. You should see a list of ports; look for one that shows an IP address in the format 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x. This is your printer's IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot.

If you do not see a Ports tab, try right-clicking the printer name in the Printers and Scanners list and selecting "Printer Properties" instead of just clicking it. Some Windows versions hide this information one level deeper. If the printer does not appear in Printers and Scanners at all, the printer may not be installed on your computer yet — in that case, use the configuration page method instead.

Finding the IP address on Mac

Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Go to General, then Printers and Scanners. Look for your printer in the list on the left side and click it once. The right panel will show printer details including the IP address, which appears next to "Location" or "URL."

The IP address on a Mac is usually shown in a format like "http://192.168.1.100" or similar. You only need the numbers part — the "192.168.1.100" — if you plan to type it into a web browser. If your printer does not appear in the list, it may not be added to your Mac yet. You can add it by clicking the plus button and selecting "Add Printer or Scanner," then choosing your printer from the list that appears.

Finding the IP address using your phone or tablet

read the printer manufacturer's app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Common apps include HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Xerox Print Service. Open the app and sign in if required, or skip sign-in if the app allows it. The app will search your network for printers automatically.

When your printer appears in the app, tap it to select it. The printer details screen will show the IP address, usually labeled as "IP Address" or "Device Information." Some apps require you to tap a settings icon or information button to see the full details. Write down the IP address shown.

This method is useful if you are away from your main computer or if your printer is not showing up on your Windows or Mac. The manufacturer's app is designed to find printers on your network quickly, even if they are not installed on your device.

What to do once you have the IP address

Type the IP address into the address bar of any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox — just as you would type a website address. For example, if your printer's IP is 192.168.1.100, type "192.168.1.100" into the address bar and press Enter. A page will load showing your printer's web interface.

From this page, you can view detailed information about your printer, change network settings, update firmware, check ink or toner levels, and configure print settings. You do not need a password to view most information, though some settings may require one. The default password is usually printed in your printer's manual or on a sticker inside the printer itself.

Bookmark this page in your browser if you plan to return to it often. This is also the address you would give to a technician if you need remote support, since they can access the same page from their computer.

Troubleshooting when the IP address does not appear

If your printer does not show an IP address in any of these places, the printer may not be connected to your network yet. Check that the printer is powered on and that the network cable is plugged in (for wired printers) or that it is connected to your WiFi (for wireless printers). Most printers show a WiFi icon or network status light on the control panel.

Restart both your printer and your router by turning them off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning them back on. This often fixes temporary connection problems. Once they are back on, wait a full minute before checking again — printers can take time to reconnect to the network.

If the printer still does not appear, check your router's settings to see if the printer is listed there. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser) and look for a list of connected devices. If the printer appears there but not in your computer's printer settings, the printer may need to be installed on your computer. Use the "Add Printer" option in your operating system's printer settings to search for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my printer's IP address?

Yes, through the printer's web interface or control panel. Most printers allow you to set a static IP address so it does not change when you restart your router. This is useful if you plan to access the printer frequently by its IP address. The exact steps vary by printer model, but the option is usually in Network Settings or TCP/IP Settings.

Why does my printer have a different IP address than before?

Your router assigns IP addresses automatically using DHCP, which means the address can change when the printer restarts or reconnects to the network. If you need the address to stay the same, set a static IP address in the printer's network settings, or reserve an IP address for the printer in your router's settings.

Do I need the IP address to print from my computer?

No. Once your printer is installed on your computer or phone, you can print normally without knowing the IP address. The IP address is useful mainly if you want to access the printer's settings page, troubleshoot connection problems, or give the address to a technician for support.

What if the IP address in the configuration page does not match what my computer shows?

This usually means the printer has two network connections — one wired and one wireless — or the printer recently reconnected and received a new address. Check which connection your computer is using and make sure the printer is connected the same way. If you want to use a specific connection, disable the other one in the printer's network settings.